Your go-to blog for modern lab management

The Design, Automation, Manufacturing, and Processes (DAMP) Lab and SciSure (formerly eLabNext) announced a formal partnership today to coincide with the kick-off of the International Workshop for BioManufacturing Automation 2024 at Boston University (BU). The cooperative plan will focus on building an ordering platform for the DAMP lab’s suite of molecular biology services, which will be called DAMP Lab Canvas, and integrating it with the eLabNext SciSure. 

“This initiative could provide an open-ecosystem software to biotech companies and the entire science community that could streamline their manufacturing and discovery processes,” explains Professor Douglas Densmore, Director of the DAMP Lab. “We chose to collaborate with eLabNext because the platform is so easy to use and the positive, supportive relationship we’ve developed over years of working alongside one another.”

For the past few years, the DAMP Lab and eLabNext have worked together, most notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, to process 2.4 million COVID-19 tests between 2020 and 2022 to limit the spread of the virus across the BU campus. The eLabNext DLP was integral in this effort, acting as a robust ELN & LIMS for protocol storage, inventory management, and sample tracking. 

“This collaboration is rooted in an alignment on several foundational values, all to encourage innovation in the scientific community,” says Zareh Zurabyan, Head of eLabNext, Americas. “Creating the tools for any organization to build an ecosystem that connects all of their digital needs to optimize their physical lab operations is a win for everyone. On a more granular level, this collaboration simplifies the ordering process, connects customers directly with vendors, and facilitates the transfer of protocols and other information between eLabNext and other laboratory systems. Together, we hope to garner more engagement in automated LIMS management and ease the burden of order placement with the DAMP Lab.” 

About DAMP Lab at BU

The mission of the DAMP lab at Boston University is to develop novel biological systems using formal representations of protocols and experiments for the specify-design-build-test cycle. This will allow for faster, more scalable, and reproducible research results that can be transitioned from academia to society. They use their expertise to deliver consistent, reproducible, and high-throughput results that can be shared among researchers. These characteristics are vital to address synthetic biology-related research efforts where time, cost, scalability, and result quality are paramount. The DAMP Lab offers over 45 molecular biology protocols, including DNA assembly, PCR, DNA/RNA purification, cloning (transformation, plating, colony picking, DNA quantification), preparation of libraries for next-generation sequencing, gene reporter assays, flow cytometry sample preparation, among others.

Press contact: 

Name: Courtney Tretheway
Operations Director, DAMP Lab
Email: catret@bu.edu
Website: https://www.damplab.org/

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Navigating Lab Management Challenges with Digital Solutions

In the dynamic, fast-paced world of life science labs, the role of the lab manager is nothing short of pivotal. These professionals are tasked with the delicate balancing act of driving research forward while maintaining meticulous operational standards. Lab managers are the unsung heroes who ensure the smooth and efficient operation of their laboratories, often working in the background to make sure everything runs seamlessly.

With the increasing complexity and scale of modern scientific operations, Lab Management has become a challenging task. There are many challenges that lab managers face on a daily basis, from maintaining compliance with regulations to ensuring efficient use of resources and equipment. To navigate these challenges effectively, lab managers must be adept in juggling multiple responsibilities.

In the digital age, lab managers don't have to face these challenges alone. Digital Lab Platforms, such as SciSure (formerly eLabNext), combine ELN and LIMS to serve as invaluable allies, offering state-of-the-art features that streamline operations, enhance data management, and boost overall productivity.

In this blog, we will highlight:

• Core responsibilities of a Lab Manager
• Challenges faced by Lab Managers without digital tools
• Lab management simplified with digital lab platforms

Read on as we explore the role of the lab manager, understand the common hurdles they face, and explore how digital lab solutions can streamline operations. We'll share how SciSure can automate routine tasks, optimize workflows, ensure regulatory compliance, and transform data management. Whether you're a seasoned lab manager or new to the role, this guide will offer insights into making your lab more efficient and compliant.

Core responsibilities of a Lab Manager

A lab manager wears many hats, each crucial for the lab’s success, ensuring that the laboratory operates smoothly and efficiently. These responsibilities include:

• Ensuring compliance with regulations and standards: Staying up-to-date with the latest industry regulations and safety standards is vital, as it helps prevent legal issues and ensures that the lab maintains its credibility and integrity.
  

• Maintaining accurate inventory of lab supplies: Keeping track of all necessary materials, from reagents to equipment, ensures that experiments can proceed without interruption. This includes ordering supplies in advance to avoid shortages and monitoring expiration dates to maintain quality.
  

• Scheduling staff efficiently: Coordinating schedules to meet project deadlines while balancing workloads helps maintain a motivated and productive team. This task involves understanding the strengths and availability of each team member to allocate tasks effectively.
  

• Implementing new technologies: Introducing and integrating cutting-edge technologies can lead to better research outcomes and more comprehensive data analysis. This involves staying informed about technological advancements and training staff on new tools.
  

• Tracking experiment quality and safety: Monitoring the quality and safety of experiments ensures that research integrity is upheld. This involves setting clear protocols, conducting regular safety checks, and maintaining detailed records of all procedures and outcomes.
  

• Managing budgets: Allocating financial resources wisely is crucial to maximize research outputs. This includes careful planning and monitoring of expenditures, ensuring that funds are used efficiently and effectively to support the lab's goals.
  

• Fostering a collaborative environment: Encouraging teamwork and communication among staff members drives innovation. Creating a positive and inclusive work culture helps bring diverse perspectives together, leading to creative solutions and breakthroughs.

Key Lab Manager Skills

To successfully fulfill these responsibilities, a lab manager needs a unique skill set:

• Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and projects.

• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in all lab operations.

• Leadership abilities to guide and support the lab team.

• Technical expertise to understand and implement new technologies.

• Communication skills to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing.

• Problem-solving abilities to address and resolve lab issues swiftly.

Challenges faced by Lab Managers without digital tools

Managing a laboratory is a complex and multifaceted role that requires balancing numerous responsibilities, all of which must be executed with precision and efficiency. Lab managers oversee everything from personnel and budget management to compliance and resource allocation. Without the support of digital tools, many of these tasks become more time-consuming, error-prone, and difficult to coordinate. Below are some of the key challenges lab managers face, particularly in a non-digitalized environment:

Manual inventory management

Tracking lab supplies, reagents, and equipment manually is one of the most time-consuming aspects of lab management. Without digital inventory management systems, lab managers must rely on spreadsheets or even paper records to track what’s in stock, when items need reordering, and whether perishable items are still valid. This leads to over-ordering, stockouts, and increased waste, all of which inflate operational costs and reduce efficiency.

Data entry and documentation errors

Accurate record-keeping is crucial for maintaining data integrity, complying with regulations, and conducting reliable research. When documentation is handled manually, the chances for errors in data entry, mislabeling, or loss of information are significantly higher. These errors can compromise research results, delay projects, and lead to costly rework, especially in highly regulated labs.

‍Compliance and audit preparation

Staying compliant with industry regulations, such as Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) or ISO standards, is a vital part of a lab manager's job. Preparing for audits and inspections without digital tools means maintaining paper trails, manually updating documentation, and constantly monitoring for regulatory changes. This can lead to missed deadlines, incomplete records, or non-compliance, which could result in fines or reputational damage.

Time-consuming workflow management

Coordinating lab activities, ensuring that experiments run smoothly, and keeping track of ongoing projects is a huge responsibility. Without a centralized system to automate workflows and track progress, lab managers must rely on fragmented communication channels and manual task assignments. This results in inefficient use of staff time, missed deadlines, and potential bottlenecks that can delay research outputs.

Inefficient team collaboration

In many labs, the team comprises researchers, technicians, and other staff working on different projects. When communication and collaboration are handled manually, it becomes challenging to ensure that everyone has access to the same protocols, data, and updates in real-time. This lack of coordination can lead to duplicate work, inconsistent procedures, and misaligned team efforts, all of which diminish lab productivity.

Limited access to real-time data

Lab managers need up-to-date information on experiments, inventory, and resource availability to make informed decisions. In a non-digital environment, data is often stored in disparate systems or even on paper, making it difficult to access real-time insights. Without real-time data, lab managers may make decisions based on outdated or incomplete information, leading to inefficiencies, errors, and wasted resources.

Overwhelming administrative workload

Lab managers often find themselves bogged down by administrative tasks such as data entry, scheduling, inventory tracking, and report generation. Without digital tools to automate these routine tasks, the administrative burden can consume significant time and energy, diverting attention away from strategic planning and innovation. This results in lower overall productivity missed opportunities for process improvements, and increased stress for the lab manager.

Lab management simplified with digital lab platforms

Embracing digital tools, such as SciSure’s comprehensive Digital Lab Platform, brings substantial improvements to lab management operations, simplifying many of the challenges lab managers face.

• Centralized data and sample management: SciSure’s platform centralizes all lab data, specimens, and experimental records in one place. This eliminates the issue of fragmented data, ensuring all information is easily accessible and securely stored. Lab managers can oversee every aspect of the lab’s operations, from sample tracking to protocol management, in one integrated system.

• Automation of routine tasks: Routine tasks like inventory management, sample labeling, and compliance checks can be automated through SciSure's platform. Automation drastically reduces manual errors, frees up time for lab managers to focus on strategic decisions, and helps in maintaining consistency in processes across the lab.

• Real-time tracking and visibility: Digital tools offer real-time tracking for specimen management, allowing lab managers to instantly see the status of samples, equipment, and resources. This reduces the risk of mismanagement and ensures that everything is accounted for at all times. The ability to access up-to-the-minute data empowers lab managers to make informed decisions faster.

• Enhanced compliance and reporting: Managing regulatory compliance becomes more efficient with SciSure. Built-in audit trails, automated documentation, and protocol management features ensure that lab activities remain compliant with regulations. Detailed reports can be generated with minimal effort, ensuring that lab managers are always prepared for audits.

• Seamless collaboration across teams: SciSure fosters seamless collaboration among lab teams, regardless of their location. Lab managers can assign tasks, share protocols, and monitor progress in real time, ensuring that everyone is working with the same updated information. This fosters a collaborative environment and reduces communication bottlenecks.
  
  
• Customizability: Every lab is unique, and SciSure can be tailored to meet the specific needs of any lab, whether it's a clinical, biotech, or research-focused environment. This flexibility ensures that lab managers have a solution that adapts to their workflow, making their operations smoother and more efficient.

By adopting a comprehensive platform with dual ELN/LIMS functionality like SciSure, lab managers can simplify their daily operations, reduce inefficiencies, and focus on driving innovation in the lab.

Taking the guesswork out of lab management 

Lab managers play an invaluable role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of any laboratory. Their responsibilities span from managing workflows and resources to ensuring compliance and fostering collaboration among team members. However, without the support of digital tools, these tasks can become time-consuming, error-prone, and difficult to manage.

The adoption of a Digital Lab Platform, such as SciSure, offers lab managers the tools they need to streamline operations, enhance compliance, and reduce administrative burdens. By automating routine tasks, providing real-time tracking, and centralizing data management, digital solutions empower lab managers to focus on innovation and drive the lab’s success.

Ready to simplify your lab management tasks? Explore how SciSure’s Digital Lab Platform can transform your operations and help you meet the demands of modern scientific research. Book a free personal demo today!

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Staff turnover in a lab environment, whether due to normal career progression or larger-scale restructuring, poses a significant challenge to preserving group knowledge and maintaining research continuity. The loss of experienced personnel can lead to gaps in expertise and disrupt ongoing projects. However, with strategic planning and proactive management, labs can mitigate these risks and ensure a seamless transition. 

Here are key strategies for handling staff turnover and preserving group knowledge.

Implement Comprehensive Documentation Practices

Comprehensive documentation is the cornerstone of preserving group knowledge. Ensure all processes, experiments, and procedures are well-documented in a central repository accessible to all team members. This includes experimental protocols, data analysis methodologies, and equipment usage instructions. Leveraging digital lab notebooks can facilitate easy sharing and updating of this information.

Traditionally, experimental documentation was done using paper lab notebooks, but more recently, electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) and other digital tools have been the most reliable and easy way to ensure comprehensive documentation. Leading ELNs allow teams to create custom report templates to standardize data entry. This simplifies knowledge capture by ensuring standardization and increasing data entry efficiency. It also enhances data searchability and prevents knowledge from falling into a documentation ”black hole.” 

‍Establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Developing and regularly updating SOPs for all critical lab operations ensures that knowledge is standardized and not dependent on any single individual. SOPs provide a consistent framework for conducting experiments and managing lab resources, making it easier for new members to adapt and for the lab to maintain quality control across transitions.

Foster a Culture of Knowledge Sharing

Encourage an environment where knowledge sharing is part of the daily routine. This can be facilitated through regular team meetings, training sessions, and mentorship programs. Pairing new hires with experienced staff for mentoring can significantly enhance the transfer of tacit knowledge that is not easily documented.

Utilize Knowledge Management Tools

Adopt knowledge management tools that effectively organize, store, and retrieve information. These tools can range from simple database solutions to more sophisticated knowledge management systems that include features like search functionality, content tagging, and access controls. Ensuring your team is trained on these tools can minimize knowledge loss during transitions.

Protocol management software, with audit trails and version control, would be one such tool for lab-specific knowledge management. Learning management systems are a niche class of software to standardize and track employee training. Generalist knowledge management platforms now offer easy integrations with a wide variety of business and scientific applications (such as your LIMS and ELN) while offering embedded AI tools to help users digest the vast quantities of information.

Plan for Knowledge Transfer

Anticipate staff changes by implementing a knowledge transfer plan for outgoing personnel. This plan should involve detailed handover sessions where departing staff can pass on important project information, insights, and ongoing work to their successors or other team members. Encourage the documentation of these insights as part of the transition process.

Addressing Larger-Scale Restructuring

The challenge of preserving knowledge becomes even more acute in the event of large-scale restructuring. It's essential to prioritize critical knowledge areas and focus on documenting and transferring this knowledge before departure. If possible, consider retaining key personnel on a part-time or consultancy basis to facilitate a smoother transition.

Conclusion

While challenging, staff turnover presents an opportunity for labs to reassess and strengthen their knowledge management practices. By implementing comprehensive documentation, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, and planning strategically for transitions, labs can preserve essential knowledge and maintain continuity in their research efforts. Addressing turnover challenges proactively ensures that the lab remains resilient and capable of advancing its scientific mission, regardless of personnel changes.

If you're interested in how SciSure can help you manage turnover in your lab or organization, contact us!

Today, SciSure (formerly eLabNext) announced that its platform is now compatible with LabTAG’s, industry-leading laboratory labels and identification products, available through GA International. The strategic partnership provides the scientific community with a complete sample management system for accurate sample tracking, efficient reagent and equipment management, optimized lab workflows, and future-proofed lab operations by combining reliable labeling with efficient data management. 

LabTAG’s labels are engineered for maximum durability, maintaining adhesion and legibility even under the most extreme conditions, such as long-term storage in liquid nitrogen or exposure to chemicals, thereby safeguarding sample integrity and supporting rigorous research protocols. Widely used in medical research and clinical laboratories, LabTAG labels are a perfect complement to the SciSure platform.

“We are thrilled to partner with SciSure, a leader in delivering flexible, user-friendly LIMS solutions that cater to the diverse and ever-changing needs of modern laboratories,” said George Ambartsoumian, Founder and CEO of GA International. “Our partnership ensures that our labeling solutions integrate seamlessly with SciSure's LIMS, providing a comprehensive and efficient sample management system that enhances accuracy, streamlines lab operations, and supports cutting-edge scientific research.”

“LabTAG has set the standard in cryogenic and chemical resistant labeling for research labs, biobanks, and healthcare institutions,” comments Zareh Zurabyan, VP of Commercial, Americas. “Our platform's full compatibility with LabTAG products, various printers, and sample identification solutions further strengthens our mission to offer an end-to-end laboratory sample management solution.” 

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About GA International

GA International has over 25 years of experience as a leading manufacturer of specialty labels, supplying laboratory identification solutions to biomedical research labs, biobanks, hospitals, and other healthcare institutions. Since its inception, GA International has become a worldwide leader in cryogenic and chemical-resistant labels, strongly dedicated to R&D and customer service.

For more information about GA International, please visit www.labtag.com

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Press contact

Ishan Wadi, Marketing Leader
ishan.wadi@ga-international.com

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Managing lab specimens is one of the most critical yet complex sample management tasks. Lab specimen management plays a critical role in research labs, clinical settings, and beyond, ensuring that samples are correctly collected, tracked, stored, and preserved. However, many labs still rely on manual processes to manage their specimens, leading to inefficiencies, errors, and data mismanagement. As a result, these outdated methods create challenges that can slow down research, lead to sample loss, and compromise data integrity.

This is where digital lab solutions, like SciSure (formerly eLabNext), step in. By leveraging comprehensive digital solutions, labs can automate and integrate key processes, significantly improving specimen management. 

In this guide, we'll explore: 

• What is lab specimen management?
• Common challenges faced in lab specimen management
• The value of adopting a Digital Lab Platform
• Top tips for effective lab specimen management

Read on as we delve deeper into lab specimen management. We'll highlight the common challenges faced, explore the benefits of digital solutions, and share our top tips for mastering your lab specimens.

‍What is lab specimen management?

Lab specimen management refers to the process of handling, tracking, storing, and preserving biological or chemical specimens used in research, diagnostics, and testing. Whether working in a clinical lab handling patient samples or a research lab working with animal tissue, effective specimen management is crucial to ensuring research integrity, compliance, and reproducibility.

‍Key elements of specimen management:

• Collection: The proper collection of specimens is the first step. This can include biological materials like blood, tissues, and fluids, or environmental samples such as soil and water.

• Tracking: Every specimen collected must be accurately labeled and tracked from the moment of collection through to its final use or disposal.

• Storage and Preservation: Specimens must be stored under the right conditions (e.g., temperature-controlled environments) to maintain their integrity for future testing or research.

• Documentation: Detailed records of all handling, testing, and storage procedures ensure the traceability of every sample and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Common Types of Specimen

Effective specimen management ensures that labs can rely on their samples for accurate research and diagnostics. Mismanagement can result in sample contamination, data inaccuracies, and regulatory non-compliance, all of which can hinder research progress and increase costs.

Common challenges faced in lab specimen management

When labs rely on manual or legacy systems for specimen management, they often encounter significant problems that impede their efficiency and reliability. Meanwhile, the lack of automation increases the workload for lab personnel, leading to higher chances of human error and reduced overall productivity. Here are some of the most common pitfalls:

• Manual errors: Relying on manual processes like handwritten labels or manual data increases the risk of costly mistakes, such as misidentification or contamination of specimens. Mismanaged samples can compromise experiments or delay clinical results, costing valuable time and resources.

• Inefficiencies: Manually tracking specimens across multiple systems or paper logs is labor-intensive and prone to delays. Searching for samples or manually verifying data wastes staff time, reducing productivity and increasing operational costs.

• Lack of traceability: Without a robust tracking system, labs may struggle to trace the journey of a sample from collection to disposal. This can lead to regulatory non-compliance and potential legal implications.

• Data inaccuracies: Inconsistent data recording due to human error or miscommunication can lead to unreliable research outcomes and may necessitate additional rounds of data verification and correction.

• Wastage: Improper storage and handling can result in specimen degradation, contamination, and wastage, with valuable samples being rendered unusable, affecting both the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of research projects.

These challenges collectively underscore the need for robust digital transformation in specimen management.

The value of adopting a Digital Lab Platform

By adopting digital solutions like SciSure, labs can address the challenges of manual specimen management, ensuring streamlined operations, improved accuracy, and better data integrity. Below are the key benefits of transitioning to a digital system for specimen management.

‍Automated specimen tracking/RFID integration

Digital platforms like SciSure offer automated specimen tracking by integrating advanced technologies such as barcoding and RFID. This streamlines specimen management tasks by ensuring that each sample is accurately labeled and tracked from collection to analysis. 

By providing real-time tracking throughout the specimen lifecycle, lab staff can access immediate updates on the sample's location and status. This feature saves time and ensures that samples are easy to find, eliminating the need for manual searches through multiple storage locations. This not only enhances efficiency but also improves the reliability and integrity of the entire specimen management process.

‍Specimen expiry and condition monitoring

Digital solutions offer integrations with comprehensive monitoring software for storage conditions to track factors such as temperature and humidity. This technology ensures that specimens are kept under optimal environmental settings, safeguarding their quality. Additionally, digital solutions track specimen expiry dates, guaranteeing that all samples are used within their valid timeframes. This not only reduces waste but also maintains the integrity of the samples, which is crucial for accurate research outcomes and reliable data analysis.

‍Centralized data

Featuring robust Laboratory Information Management System(LIMS) capabilities, SciSure's centralized platform consolidates all specimen data into one cohesive system, making it easily accessible and traceable for researchers and lab technicians. This centralized management of data ensures consistency and significantly reduces the risk of discrepancies that can occur with decentralized systems. By providing a unified data repository, the platform enhances collaboration across teams, allowing for more efficient sharing of information and resources.

‍Audit trails

Digital systems help you to generate robust audit trails to record every interaction with a specimen, from collection to disposal. These audit trails ensure regulatory compliance and simplify the process of preparing for audits or inspections.

‍Scalability

SciSure is designed to scale seamlessly to accommodate large volumes of specimens, ensuring that efficiency is never compromised, regardless of the size of the collection. This robust platform is versatile enough to manage everything from hundreds to thousands of samples, making it an ideal choice for laboratories of any size. By offering scalability, eLabNext grows and adapts to your lab’s evolving needs, eliminating the necessity for multiple systems.

With dual ELN/LIMS capabilities, the comprehensive features provided by SciSure not only optimize the sample and specimen management process, but also enhance data accuracy and security.

Top tips for effective lab specimen management

We have seen the challenges of specimen management and the valuable features provided by digital solutions like SciSure or through integrations. To optimize specimen management in your lab, consider implementing these practical tips:

• Adopt a centralized system: Implement a single digital platform to manage all aspects of specimen tracking, storage, and data management. Centralization ensures consistency, reduces errors, and improves lab efficiency.
  

• Automate routine processes: Utilize barcode or RFID technology to automate the tracking of specimens. This technology streamlines inventory management, ensures precise monitoring of specimen movements, and reduces the potential for human mistakes, ultimately leading to improved reliability and accountability in specimen tracking.
  

• Implement regular audit checks: Conduct regular audits of specimen inventory and data to identify discrepancies and ensure compliance with lab standards. Regular checks help maintain the integrity of specimen management practices.
  

• Train staff regularly: Provide ongoing training for lab personnel on the latest specimen management protocols and digital tools. Up-to-date training ensures that staff can effectively and efficiently manage specimens and adapt to new technologies.
  

• Maintain proper storage conditions: Ensure that all specimens are stored under appropriate conditions, such as correct temperature and humidity levels, to preserve their integrity and viability. Regularly check storage equipment to maintain optimal conditions.
  

• Utilize backup systems: Implement backup systems for data and specimen tracking information to prevent data loss in case of system failures. Regularly update backups and test their integrity to ensure data can be recovered when needed.

Labeled, tracked, recorded, sorted

Effective lab specimen management is essential for ensuring research integrity, maintaining regulatory compliance, and optimizing lab workflows. By transitioning to digital lab solutions like SciSure, labs can automate key processes, reduce manual errors, and enhance specimen tracking, storage, and data management.

Ready to revolutionize your specimen management process? Book a free personal demo with SciSure today to explore how our digital solutions can enhance your lab’s efficiency, security and compliance.

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Reproducibility is vital in scientific research, yet many labs struggle to replicate even their own experiments. This critical issue wastes time, drains resources, and undermines confidence in research findings [1].

A recent survey published in Nature[1] found that over 70% of scientists fail to reproduce others' experiments, highlighting a "reproducibility crisis" that threatens research credibility [2].

According to the survey, the solution to this issue is to strengthen three key areas: experimental design, traceability and mentorship. Thankfully, scientists are not alone in this challenge. By using digital tools like Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs) and advanced digital lab platforms, your lab can rapidly improve reproducibility across experiments and boost the quality and integrity of your research.

The importance of robust experimental design

Solid experimental design is key to consistent lab results [2]. Many labs struggle with varying results  because staff lack access to detailed protocols, real-time data, and up-to-date research materials [1]. This issue often comes from poor documentation and disorganized data storage. In the majority of life science experiments, even a minor deviation from protocols can have a substantial impact on the result.

Digital tools like ELNs transform lab documentation by providing an easily accessible, centralized platform to document every step of the experimental process. This ensures that experiments and protocols are precisely tracked—and also enables easy sharing and live updating of protocols.

Digital lab solutions also help researchers to manage experimental design and improve their protocols with ease. With an intuitive interface and rapid search features, you can easily track changes, compare outcomes and refine procedures based on past data. By having a centralized platform and templates for data entry and protocol management, scientists can quickly identify and rectify flaws in their experimental design [3].

An integrated approach

SciSure (formerly eLabNext) goes further than ELNs by integrating with a range of lab management tools. This provides a centralized and complete solution that enables seamless documentation of protocols, experimental setups, and data collection methods.

Advanced protocol management features include protocol version tracking, automatic calculations, and enhanced traceability with change logs. This comprehensive approach helps labs maintain a high standard of experimental design without having to juggle multiple disconnected systems.

Explore how SciSure can strengthen your experimental design!

Traceability: Ensuring accuracy from start to finish

Traceability is another critical factor that influences reproducibility in research. Improper collection, storage and tracing of samples, cells or specimens can lead to serious issues. Mislabeled samples or contaminated cell lines can lead to faulty results—skewing data and making experiments invalid [1].

Variations in sample storage and transit conditions also affect outcomes, so tracking these samples from collection to result is crucial [3]. Digital platforms like SciSure offer automated tracking features, enabling researchers to track every step of a sample's journey. This significantly reduces human error and enhances confidence in experimental results.

Digital lab platforms also streamline inventory management by providing a complete view of all inventory and resources. Researchers can efficiently monitor the use and availability of samples and materials, ensuring that experiments are always well-prepared with the necessary resources. This promotes reproducibility while making sure operations run seamlessly [3].

RFID barcode and label printing

To further enhance traceability, SciSure offers barcode RFID tracking and label printing capabilities. This allows labs to accurately label samples and link them directly to their corresponding data within the Digital Lab Platform—ensuring that no sample is misplaced or mislabeled. If your lab handles a large volume of samples, or you’re looking to scale-up your research, having a centralized platform for tracking and related data is invaluable.

Learn more about how SciSure can enhance traceability in your lab.

Fostering better mentorship and knowledge transfer

In traditional, non-digital labs, fostering mentorship and collaboration can be challenging. With physical lab notebooks and paper-based workflows, critical information is often siloed to individual researchers, making it difficult to share insights, provide feedback or troubleshoot problems.

This problem is highlighted when staff move labs and take valuable knowledge or data with them. An ineffective exchange of information can result in missed opportunities for learning and innovation, and impact reproducibility [2].

By enabling real-time data sharing, digital lab tools allow senior scientists to guide junior researchers through experiments and analyses, no matter where they are located [3]. With a centralized system, everyone on the team can easily access protocols, datasets, and results—fostering a collaborative environment where feedback and mentorship occur seamlessly. Additionally, version control and audit trails help ensure that every piece of data is traceable, which is crucial for training purposes and maintaining high standards of research integrity.

A new approach to collaboration

SciSure is designed with collaboration and mentorship in mind. It empowers researchers to share experimental workflows, notes, and protocols in real time, promoting transparency and teamwork. The platform's role-based access control feature makes it easy for mentors to provide targeted feedback on experiments or guide specific research tasks, while keeping sensitive data secure.

Integrated project management tools also facilitate communication between teams. This enables effective delegation of tasks and easy tracking of progress. By adopting SciSure, your lab can break barriers to collaboration, ensuring that knowledge is shared, mentorship is accessible and scientific innovation is accelerated.

Reproducibility reimagined

The reproducibility crisis is a significant challenge to the credibility and progress of scientific research. By addressing critical areas like experimental design, traceability, and mentorship, labs can vastly improve their ability to replicate results. Digitalization—with tools like SciSure—offers a powerful solution to address this problem. Such tools help scientists streamline processes, maintain rigorous standards and foster effective collaboration.

Through centralized documentation, real-time data sharing, and advanced tracking capabilities, digital platforms enhance both the quality and reproducibility of research—setting the stage for more reliable scientific discoveries. As the research landscape continues to evolve, these tools will be crucial in maintaining the integrity of science and advancing innovation.

Explore how SciSure could revolutionize your lab’s reproducibility – Book a free personal demo today!  

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References

[1] “Six factors affecting reproducibility in life science research and how to handle them.” Accessed: Aug. 28, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.nature.com/articles/d42473-019-00004-y

[2] M. Baker, “1,500 scientists lift the lid on reproducibility,” Nature 2016 533:7604, May 2016, doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/533452a.

[3] L. Gautier, “Reproducibility in the Lab: the Proof is in the Protocol,” Biotechniques, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 71–74, Aug. 2022, doi: https://doi.org/10.2144/btn-2022-0074.

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SciSure (formerly eLabNext), announced today that its platform is now able to integrate with Danby Barcoding’s industry-leading laboratory products. The incorporation of Danby Barcoding’s printers, cryogenic labels and tags, ribbons, scanners, and encodable RFID Smart Tags with SciSure's LIMS capabilities enables users to access complete barcoding solutions and better manage inventory, sample, and specimen tracking workflows.

As a cornerstone of the barcoding industry, Danby Barcoding’s portfolio includes best-in-class desktop, tabletop, and industrial Zebra and TSC direct thermal and thermal transfer label printers. They also offer application-specific, custom, and off-the-shelf materials and sizes for ISO-regulated and harsh labeling environments. 

“Our focus on barcoding solutions has allowed us to help many customers in the government, automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing industries,” mentions Mark Covington of Danby Barcoding. “We’ve moved to expand our partnership with SciSure because of our shared passion for delivering the best to our customers and enabling flawless inventory and sample management. Each year, our clientele grows substantially, and with eLabNext’s help, our customers in the life sciences will reap even more benefits, including a greater return on their investment in a very short time.”

“We continue to expand the integrations and ways users can customize SciSure, allowing access to a broad range of solutions for any issue in the lab,” says Zareh Zurabyan, VP of Commercial, Americas. Besides being a one-stop-shop for scientists to be able to use any Add-Ons that they’d like, the customers also take advantage of the partnerships like Danby Barcoding, with exclusive discounts for all eLabNext customers which provides our customers with an industry-leading barcoding solution.”

Danby Barcoding will be offering special discounts on their Zebra ZD421 Barcode Label Printer and select scanners, labels, and ribbons for existing SciSure users.

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About Danby Barcoding, LLC

Since 1982, Danby Barcoding, LLC, has been a cornerstone in the barcoding industry. As a “one-stop shop” for government, automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing customers, they provide a single source for barcode printing systems, labeling supplies, and label design software. Their knowledgeable sales staff can help companies choose the right printer for their environment and applications. Danby Barcoding is focused on solving its customers' business needs and providing unparalleled customer service.

For more information about Danby Barcoding, please visit: www.danbybarcoding.com 

Press contact:

Name: Mark Covington, President
Email: mark@danbybarcoding.com
Phone Number: 800-262-2629

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This article was originally published by eLabNext prior to its integration into SciSure. SciSure was formed in 2025 through the merger of eLabNext and SciShield.

Boston, MA. October 9, 2024 – SciShield, the leading provider of safety and compliance software for research laboratories, today announced the appointment of Philip Meer as its new Chief Executive Officer. This marks an important step in SciShield’s strategy of strengthening its industry-leading platform, broadening its capabilities to support safe, compliant, and efficient scientific laboratories worldwide.

SciShield’s platform and suite of products, deployed at over 27,000 laboratories across North America and Europe, is used at enterprises that range from large pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and higher education institutions to small biotechs and life science incubators. Under Meer’s leadership, SciShield will further invest in enhancing product capabilities, expand its presence across major scientific research hubs worldwide, and forge strategic partnerships that broaden the value of its technology and services.

Meer will succeed Nathan Watson, who will continue as SciShield’s Chairman of the Board and will transition to the role of Chief Strategy Officer. In this new capacity, Watson will contribute towards guiding the company’s overall strategic direction, while Meer will oversee day-to-day operations and growth initiatives.

"As SciShield embarks on this exciting new phase, I am thrilled to welcome Phil as our new CEO," said Watson. "His extensive experience growing and scaling global enterprise software businesses, coupled with his strong track record of innovation and customer focus, makes Phil the ideal leader for our future. I look forward to working closely with Phil as we accelerate innovation through our industry-leading platform and continue to deliver safe, compliant, seamless, and automated workflow solutions for scientists and their organizations."

Meer joins SciShield with more than twenty-five years of global enterprise software leadership experience, successfully scaling companies and delivering innovative customer-centric solutions in highly regulated industries. “I am incredibly excited to join SciShield at such a pivotal time,” said Meer. “Ensuring the health and safety of scientists and the general population is not only my personal mission but also, as exemplified by recent events, a societal imperative. I look forward to leading the talented team at SciShield as we execute our ambitious growth strategy while continuing to offer industry-leading technology delivered and supported by our team of industry experts.”

Neil Willis, Partner at Strattam Capital and Member of SciShield’s Board of Directors, added, "We are excited to welcome Phil to SciShield and are highly confident in his ability to lead the company through its next phase of growth. Phil’s track record of commercial success within regulated end-markets, coupled with his operational expertise, will be invaluable as the company accelerates innovation and continues to deliver compelling value to its customers."

About SciShield

SciShield reduces the burden on scientists worldwide while increasing safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency through modular enterprise software solutions. SciShield’s customers range from small biotechs and life science incubators to over a third of the top-tier (R1) research institutions, top pharmaceutical, retail, and healthcare companies. For more information, please visit SciShield.com.

About Strattam Capital

Strattam Capital invests in founder-led, independent B2B software technology companies across North America. They believe in aligning with founders and CEOs before signing via the Five-Point Plan process to allow execution with purpose, excitement, and efficiency. With offices in Austin and San Francisco, Strattam connects companies with the people, process, and scale needed to reach their potential. For more information, please visit Strattam.com.

Media Contact

For communications please, contact Jon Zibell, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships: Jon.Zibell@scishield.com

This article was originally published by eLabNext prior to its integration into SciSure. SciSure was formed in 2025 through the merger of eLabNext and SciShield.

eLabNext, Your Go-to Digital Lab Platform for Streamlined Research

[Groningen, NL, 03/10/2024] — eLabNext, a leading provider of digital lab management solutions, is proud to announce a significant shift in its brand positioning, consolidating its three flagship products—eLabJournal, eLabInventory, and eLabProtocols—into one unified, centralized platform: the Digital Lab Platform (DLP). This transition is designed to address the evolving needs of research scientists, providing a secure, efficient, and collaborative environment for achieving accelerated and reliable research outcomes.

"eLabNext, Research done right." This new platform combines the power of an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), streamlining research processes while fostering seamless collaboration.

A New Era of Research: Why the Change?

"Our customers have been instrumental in driving this change," said Erwin, Managing Director at eLabNext. "Centralizing our products into one Digital Lab Platform is the natural answer to their needs. Lab work has evolved drastically over the past 15 years since we started building eLabNext, and so has our platform. We are not just adapting to this evolution—we're pushing the whole ecosystem further. This step is a bold move in our history, and we are confident it will elevate research in a way that's never been done before."

The previous approach of offering three separate tools is no longer sufficient for the modern laboratory environment. Scientists now require a secure,easy-to-use, and centralized platform that allows them to collaborate effortlessly and streamline workflows. This is where the DLP comes in, tackling the problems of siloed data, inefficient research processes, and compliance challenges.

Key Website Features and updates

To support this shift, eLabNext has launched a redesigned website featuring:

- Enhanced User Experience: Simplified navigation and new, dedicated pages explaining the key features of the ELN and LIMS capabilities within the DLP.

- In-Depth Product Insights: Clear and comprehensive explanations of the platform's tools, functionalities, and benefits.

- Expanded Resources: An enriched resource section to help users better understand how eLabNext can transform their lab work.

The website is designed to clearly communicate the concept of a Digital Lab Platform and provide valuable information about how it integrates inventory, sample, and experimental data management into one efficient system.

Company Background

Since its founding in 2010, eLabNext (formerly Bio-ITech)has been at the forefront of developing digital solutions for life science laboratories. Milestones include:

- 2011: Launch of eLabInventory and eLabJournal.

- 2015: Strategic alliance with Eppendorf AG.

- 2020: Launch of the eLab Marketplace for customizable lab software add-ons.

- 2024:The latest innovation includes the launch of the new eLabNext Developer platform and an upgraded Sample and Inventory System.

Now, with the unification of its products under the DLP, eLabNext is setting a new standard for lab management systems.

Target Audience and Benefits

The primary audience for this new platform includes scientists and researchers in biotechnology and academia. Additionally, those working in analytical, diagnostic, clinical, and chemical R&D labs will benefit from the platform's-centralized, secure, and compliant solution that accelerates research outcomes and improves collaboration.

By breaking down the silos between inventory, sample, and experiment management, eLabNext provides the solution to:

1. Siloed Lab Operations: Centralizing inventory, sample, and experiment data.
2. Collaboration Challenges: Ensuring smooth, compliant sharing of research data.
3. Inefficient Workflows: Optimizing lab processes and ensuring reproducible results.

Visit www.elabnext.com to explore the new platform and learn more about how eLabNext can help you accelerate reliable discoveries with a Digital Lab Platform built for modern research needs.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at marketing@elabnext.com.

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Laboratories are environments of discovery, innovation, and precision—but all of that hinges on one critical element: safety. From protecting the well-being of personnel to preserving the integrity of research, effective safety management is the foundation of every successful lab. Preventable accidents are one of the greatest disruptors in this field, and regular inspections are key to staying ahead of potential hazards. These inspections not only help ensure that safety protocols are met but also give labs the chance to catch issues before they escalate – leading to property damage or bodily harm. With SciSure for Health & Safety (formerly SciShield), which simplifies safety compliance and integrates with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) tasks, labs can build a robust safety culture around people, spaces, hazards, and job activities that actively prevents accidents.

The Role of Inspections in Safety Management

The Importance of Regular Inspections

Inspections are a proactive measure that ensure safety management practices are upheld. Through regular lab inspections, potential risks are identified early, allowing labs to address them before they escalate. This process is critical for maintaining a safe working environment, as it ensures that all safety protocols are followed, equipment is functioning properly, and hazardous materials are managed correctly. By conducting these inspections routinely, labs can prevent accidents and maintain a high standard of safety and regulatory compliance.

Preventing Accidents Through Inspections

Accidents, whether minor or severe, can derail critical research and put lives at risk. Regular inspections are a fundamental part of accident prevention, allowing labs to catch hazards before they cause harm. From spotting improper storage of materials to identifying the misuse of safety equipment, inspections create opportunities for quick corrective action. This proactive approach doesn’t just ensure compliance—it fosters a safer environment where lab personnel can focus on their work with confidence.

SciSure’s Role in Streamlining Inspections

Integrated Tools for Effective Inspections

SciSure equips labs with the tools they need to make inspections both thorough and efficient. The platform allows labs to create customizable inspection checklists that cater to the unique risks and requirements of each lab environment. Whether it’s verifying that safety equipment is functioning as intended or ensuring compliance with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards, SciSure’s platform covers all the critical bases for documentation and resolution. This tailored approach means labs can focus on their specific needs, ensuring safe management without missing a step.

Real-Time Monitoring and Reporting

SciSure’s real-time monitoring and reporting tools allow lab managers to stay informed throughout the inspection process. With the ability to track progress and address issues as they arise, labs can be proactive rather than reactive. Detailed reports generated after each inspection help labs pinpoint trends and identify areas for improvement, ensuring that safety practices continue to evolve and strengthen over time. SciSure helps you shine a light on the dark areas of your lab where risk is hiding, bringing it into plain view so you can address it.

How Inspections Support Safety Compliance

Ensuring Adherence to Safety Protocols

Ensuring compliance with safety regulations is a core component of maintaining safe and efficient laboratories. Regular inspections help labs stay on track, ensuring that safety protocols are consistently followed. SciSure’s platform offers the tools needed for thorough inspections and makes it easy to track compliance with relevant regulations. This proactive stance not only helps labs maintain safety standards but also reduces the risk of non-compliance.

Enhancing Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Management

Managing Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is essential for every lab, ensuring compliance with both environmental and safety regulations. SciSure integrates EHS management seamlessly into the inspection process, offering labs a comprehensive approach to safety. This integration means that all EHS tasks are completed efficiently, with labs continuously monitored to maintain compliance with the highest safety standards.

Building a Culture of Safety Through Inspections

Promoting Continuous Improvement

Inspections go beyond simply spotting risks—they are vital to nurturing a culture of continuous safety improvement. By consistently reviewing safety protocols and making adjustments, labs can steadily raise their safety standards. SciSure’s platform helps drive this process forward, offering tools that track inspection results and support the implementation of improvements that strengthen lab safety over time.

Fostering a Safety-First Mindset

Creating a safety-first mindset among all lab personnel is crucial for effective lab safety management. Regular inspections serve as a constant reminder of the importance of safety, ensuring that everyone in the lab remains vigilant about potential risks and knows the steps to mitigate them. This collective commitment to safety is what ultimately helps prevent accidents and keeps the lab running smoothly.

Conclusion

Regular inspections are the foundation of effective safety management, helping laboratories prevent accidents and maintain compliance with safety regulations. SciSure’s platform equips labs with the tools they need to perform thorough inspections, track compliance, and foster continuous improvement in safety practices. By incorporating these tools into your lab’s daily operations, you can build a safer, more resilient environment where risks are minimized, and accidents are avoided. Ready to elevate your lab’s safety management with more effective inspections? Explore how SciSure’s inspection and safety compliance tools can help your lab stay ahead of potential risks.

Ensure your lab’s safety through effective inspections with SciSure's Health & Safety tools. Contact us for a demo or explore our platform to see how we can support your lab’s safety management and accident prevention efforts.

Biobanks play a critical role in advancing medical research, drug development, and personalized medicine. These valuable repositories of biological samples—ranging from blood and tissue to DNA and other biomolecules—are invaluable resources that enable researchers to study disease mechanisms, develop new treatments, and explore the genetic underpinnings of health and disease. As the volume and complexity of biological samples and associated data increase, efficient biobank management becomes essential for ensuring the accuracy, reproducibility, and compliance of research.

Enter digital lab solutions, which are transforming how biobanks operate. Advanced technology tailored to biobank management can significantly streamline biobank operations by automating processes, enhancing data accuracy, and improving overall workflow efficiency. Digital lab solutions simplify everything from biobank sample management, which includes tracking, labeling, and storing biological specimens, to recording and saving study data and ensuring regulatory compliance.

In this blog, we will cover:

• What is biobanking?
• Key biobanking operations
• Common challenges in biobank management
• How digital lab solutions enhance biobank management
• Top tips for implementing digital solutions in biobanks

Read on as we explore the fundamentals of biobanking and uncover how digital lab solutions can elevate your biobank management. By adopting digital lab technologies, biobanks can not only improve their operational efficiency but also contribute to groundbreaking research that holds the potential to change the future of medicine.

What is biobanking?

Biobanking involves collecting, processing, storing, and distributing biological samples for research and medical use. These samples can include tissues, blood, DNA, RNA, proteins, and other biomolecules. Biobanks provide a vast repository of biological materials and play a crucial role in advancing scientific research and improving public health.

Types of Biobanks include:

• Population Biobanks: Collect samples from large population groups to study disease prevalence and genetic diversity.
• Disease-Oriented Biobanks: Focus on specific diseases, storing samples from affected individuals for targeted research.
• Tissue Banks: Store tissue samples, often collected during surgeries or biopsies, critical for pathology and cancer research.
• Virtual Biobanks: Leverage digital platforms to share data and resources without physical sample exchange.

Key biobank operations

Effective biobank management involves several critical operations that ensure the integrity, usability, and reliability of stored samples. These operations encompass the entire lifecycle of a sample, from its collection to its eventual use in research. By understanding and optimizing these critical operations, biobanks can significantly enhance their contributions to scientific advancements. 

Essential operations within a biobank include:

• Sample collection and processing: Biological samples are collected using standardized procedures to ensure quality and consistency.
• Sample storage and preservation: Samples are stored under optimal conditions using methods like cryopreservation, ensuring longevity and usability. Continuous monitoring of storage conditions is essential to prevent sample degradation. 
• Data management: Efficient data management involves meticulously tracking and recording sample information. Accurate data is crucial for research reproducibility, compliance, and effective sample use. 
• Quality control and assurance: Regular quality checks ensure that samples meet required standards and remain consistent over time.
• Compliance and regulatory management: Ensuring that biobank operations comply with local, national, and international regulations involves maintaining detailed records of all biobank activities and facilitating regulatory audits and inspections. 
• Sample distribution: Efficiently managing requests for sample access and distribution to researchers. Ensuring that all sample transfers are documented and tracked to maintain a complete record of sample usage.

Common challenges in biobank management

Managing a biobank presents a unique set of challenges that can impact its overall effectiveness and efficiency. By addressing these challenges, biobanks can better position themselves to meet the evolving needs of the research community while advancing scientific discovery.

Ensuring sample quality and integrity

Maintaining sample quality over time can be challenging due to potential contamination and degradation that can occur from improper handling or environmental factors. To combat these risks, implementing stringent handling protocols and optimal storage conditions is essential. This includes using sterile containers, monitoring temperature and humidity levels, and training personnel on best practices to minimize the chances of contamination. 

Efficient data management

Biobanks hold a significant amount of sensitive data, including genetic information, medical histories, and sample provenance. Managing this vast array of information can feel overwhelming, especially when researchers and healthcare professionals need to access and analyze it efficiently. Implementing robust data management solutions is crucial to help biobanks operate effectively while safeguarding the integrity and confidentiality of the data they manage.

Sample search and retrieval

Efficient sample search and retrieval systems are essential for biobanks to facilitate research and ensure timely access to biological materials. Implementing a well-organized inventory management system allows for the categorization and tracking of samples based on various attributes, such as sample type, collection date, and associated metadata. 

Regulatory compliance

Adhering to regulatory standards is vital for ensuring compliance in biobanking operations. This entails understanding and implementing industry-specific guidelines that govern data handling, sample storage and research practices. Maintaining detailed records and comprehensive audit trails can be complex and time-consuming; however, it is crucial for accountability and transparency.

How digital lab solutions enhance biobank management

Adopting digital lab solutions is a sure way to elevate your lab's biobank management, offering significant improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. SciSure for Research (formerly eLabNext) provides comprehensive digital solutions designed to streamline biobank operations. 

Here are some of the ways that digital tools can simplify biobank management:

Streamlined sample management

Digital lab solutions can vastly improve sample management within biobanks, offering automated processes and rapid search and retrieval. SciSure combines that offers comprehensive inventory management features, simplifies sample tracking and management with barcode RFID sample labeling, real-time tracking, and rapid searching, ensuring that all samples and related data are easily accessible.

• Simplified processes: SciSure automates the labeling and tracking of samples, reducing manual errors and improving efficiency.
• Automation: The software provides real-time updates on sample status, making it easier to manage large-scale studies.

Enhanced data integration and security

Digital lab solutions offer improved security features and seamless data integration, making sensitive information secure, organized, and accessible to those who need it. SciSure combines an ELN and LIMS for R&D labs, integrates sample data in a central repository. This integration ensures that all data related to biobank samples, including collection details, storage conditions, and usage history, are centralised and securely managed.

• Integration: SciSure offers a centralized digital lab platform for Experiment, Protocols, Sample and Inventory management.
• Security: SciSure offer robust security features such as data encryption, user access controls and regular backups to protect sensitive data.

Regulatory compliance simplified

Meeting regulatory requirements is a critical aspect of biobank management. SciSure provides comprehensive tools to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. These tools facilitate the creation of detailed audit trails, automated reporting, and compliance checks, making it easier to meet stringent regulatory requirements.

• Compliance features: SciSure offers detailed audit trails and automated compliance checks, ensuring that all biobank activities are documented and easily verifiable.
• Traceability: SciSure tracks the complete lifecycle of each sample, from collection to usage, providing a transparent and accountable record of sample handling.

Top tips for implementing digital solutions in biobanks

Implementing digital biotechnology protocols can transform biobank operations, and with careful planning and execution, you can ensure a swift and successful onboarding process. Here are some best practices to guide you through your journey:

1. Assess current systems and identify gaps 

Begin by conducting a thorough review of your existing biobank management systems. Identify any gaps or inefficiencies that could be improved with digital solutions. This assessment will help you understand your specific needs and goals, laying the foundation for a successful transition to digital protocols.

2. Choose the right digital solutions 

Selecting the appropriate digital lab solutions is crucial. Look for platforms like SciSure that offer comprehensive features tailored to biobank management. Ensure the solutions you choose are scalable, user-friendly, and capable of integrating with other systems in your lab. These criteria will help you find tools that can grow with your biobank and meet your evolving needs.

3. Provide comprehensive training 

Once you have selected your digital solutions, invest in thorough training for your team. Ensure that all staff members understand how to use the new systems effectively. Comprehensive training programs should include hands-on workshops, detailed user manuals and ongoing support. Well-trained staff are more likely to adopt the new systems and use them to their full potential.

4. Ensure data security and compliance 

Data security is paramount in biobank management. Choose digital solutions with robust security features such as data encryption, access controls, and regular backups. Regularly review and update your security protocols to maintain compliance with regulatory standards and protect sensitive data. Ensuring strong data security measures will safeguard your biobank's valuable information.

5. Monitor usage and gather feedback 

Regularly monitor how your digital systems are being used and gather feedback from your team. This ongoing evaluation will help you identify any issues or areas where additional training may be needed. Use this feedback to make informed decisions about updates and improvements.

A match made in biobank heaven

Digital lab solutions are transforming biobank operations, offering enhanced accuracy, streamlined workflows, and robust regulatory compliance. By adopting advanced technologies, biobanks can ensure the integrity and reliability of their samples, facilitate groundbreaking research, and meet stringent regulatory requirements with ease. 

The transition to digital solutions is not just a technological upgrade; it's a strategic move towards future-proofing biobank operations and maximizing their impact on scientific discovery.

Ready to improve your biobank with advanced digital solutions? Explore SciSure in a free personal demo.

This article was originally published by eLabNext prior to its integration into SciSure. SciSure was formed in 2025 through the merger of eLabNext and SciShield.

eLabNext, a company that provides digital solutions for the collection, management, and analysis of laboratory information, announced a new collaboration with AOByte, an end-to-end software development service provider. The collaboration between eLabNext and AOByte’s specialized software development tools empowers developers to create both simple and complex add-ons, enhancing the functionality of the digital lab platform for all eLabNext users.

The cooperation between the firms will enable eLabNext to rapidly expand its Add-On Marketplace, which will allow users to integrate third-party software, including Dropbox, Microsoft Office, Slack, Jupyter Notebook, Google Drive, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Eppendorf, Elemental Machines, and many more solutions into their dashboards. These additions will enable researchers in various scientific disciplines to streamline their everyday laboratory operations further.

“Since we have opened up our ecosystem to third-party developers and established collaborations like the one with AOByte, we have seen an unprecedented acceleration in the ability to apply customizations and add new features, either for the broader community or specifically for customers' own workflows,” comments Erwin Seinen, Founder and Managing Director of eLabNext. “AOByte has swiftly become a standout partner due to their expertise and dedication. Through our work with AOByte, we empower our customers to customize and enhance the eLabNext platform in innovative ways. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to exploring even more opportunities to enhance our platform's capabilities for our users.”

“AOByte is proud to support eLabNext on the next step in their innovative journey,” comments Tigran Sargsyan, co-founder and CEO of AOByte. “As we’ve become more entrenched in the life sciences, we’ve realized the growing demand for customizable lab solutions, and we’re committed to enabling the creation of custom add-ons by motivated developers.”

About AOByte

AOByte is a software development company that provides end-to-end software development services and cutting-edge engineering solutions to companies worldwide, driving business growth and performance in industries such as FinTech, Healthcare, and InsurTech. They help businesses accelerate disruption within their industry with custom software development solutions that adapt seamlessly to particular project objectives. AOByte envisions, plans, designs, develops, integrates, deploys, and supports client products by employing best practice processes and development methodologies that drive meaningful results within the strategic vision.

Press Contact:
Name: Tigran Sargsyan, CEO, AOByte
Email: tigran@aobyte.com
Website: www.aobyte.com

Biotechnology is a cornerstone in life science research, driving pivotal advancements in our understanding of biological systems. Biotechnology harnesses cellular and biomolecular processes and facilitates innovative techniques that propel research into drug development, healthcare, and agriculture. In life science research, biotechnology protocols serve as the backbone of accurate, reproducible, and compliant scientific processes.

These standardized lab protocols ensure that experiments can be replicated with consistent results and play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of scientific findings. By adhering to well-established biotechnology protocols, labs can reduce errors, maximize process standardization, and enhance the reproducibility of their results.

In recent years, digital solutions have emerged as powerful tools for optimizing biotechnology protocols. Digital lab technology can streamline the documentation process, facilitate real-time data sharing, and provide detailed audit trails, strengthening lab operations and research outcomes.

In this blog, we will highlight:

• The importance of biotechnology protocols
• Challenges in biotechnology protocol management
• Optimizing biotechnology protocols with digital solutions
• Top tips for implementing digital biotechnology protocols

Read on as we delve deeper into the importance of biotechnology protocols, the various challenges faced in managing them effectively, and how embracing cutting-edge digital solutions can pave the way for improved efficiency and success in scientific research.

The importance of biotechnology protocols

Biotechnology protocols are essential guidelines that detail the specific steps required to conduct experiments and procedures in scientific research. They cover a wide range of processes, including next-generation sequencing, PCR, cloning, and cell culture. Many biotechnology applications rely on advanced technologies and automated processes, and biotechnology protocols cover how to calibrate, use, and maintain this specialized equipment. These protocols also outline safety measures, validation processes, and quality control procedures to ensure accurate and reproducible results.

Having well-defined biotechnology protocols is crucial for several reasons:

• Reproducibility: Ensuring that experiments can be replicated with the same results across different labs. 
• Accuracy: Minimising errors by providing detailed and precise instructions. 
• Compliance: Meeting regulatory standards and maintaining ethical research practices. 
• Staff training: Providing ongoing education and training to ensure all team members are skilled and knowledgeable in research methodologies.

Standardizing these protocols is crucial for maintaining the reliability and integrity of research outcomes, making it imperative for labs to optimize their protocol management systems.

Challenges in biotechnology protocol management

Managing biotechnology protocols comes with its own set of challenges:

Complexity and variation

Biotechnology protocols can be highly complex, often involving intricate procedures and methodologies that vary significantly between different experiments and laboratories. Keeping these protocols updated with the latest industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving regulations is a continuous task that requires great attention to detail. Researchers must stay informed about advancements in the field to ensure that their practices remain relevant and practical.

Data management and documentation

Thorough protocol adherence and documentation are essential to successful biotechnology research. Maintaining accurate records not only fosters transparency but also facilitates reproducibility, which is a cornerstone of scientific inquiry. Traditional paper-based protocols often fall short in this regard, as they can easily be misplaced or lost and are difficult to keep up to date. This increases the risk of potential errors and inefficiencies in lab operations.

Compliance and regulations

Biotechnology research must adhere to stringent regulatory standards designed to ensure safety and efficacy. This necessitates the maintenance of detailed audit trails and comprehensive compliance documentation, which can include everything from experiment notes to protocols for handling hazardous materials. Meeting these requirements can be particularly challenging without an effective protocol management system in place. Labs must implement robust procedures to track compliance and facilitate easy access to documentation during audits. As regulations evolve, researchers must also be proactive in adapting their practices to remain compliant.

Security and user access

Ensuring security and proper user access control within biotechnology protocol management systems is vital to protect sensitive data and maintain compliance. Implementing robust access controls helps limit the availability of confidential information to authorized personnel only, reducing the risk of data breaches and misinformation. Regular audits of user access rights and training on data security practices further enhance the integrity of the research environment, ensuring that only qualified individuals can modify or retrieve critical protocols and data.

Optimizing biotechnology protocols with digital solutions

Adopting digital lab solutions can significantly transform how biotechnology protocols are managed, providing numerous benefits that enhance both the quality of research and the efficiency of laboratory operations:

Enhanced accuracy and reproducibility

Digital solutions standardize and optimize protocols, which enhances reproducibility across experiments. By creating precise, consistent procedures, researchers can ensure that their findings are both reliable and valid. Accurate protocols are essential for generating replicable results in biotechnology research, where the margin for error is often minimal.

Centralized hub

Creating a centralized digital hub for biotechnology protocols significantly improves accessibility and collaboration among research teams. This digital repository allows researchers to easily access, share, and update protocols in real time, fostering a culture of transparency and efficiency. By centralizing all relevant documentation, teams can eliminate redundancies and ensure that everyone is working with the most current information, thereby enhancing coordination among members.

Increased efficiency

Digitalising biotechnology protocols can lead to substantial savings in time and resources. Automation of repetitive and mundane tasks minimizes the risk of manual errors and allows researchers to focus on more complex, creative aspects of their work. This shift not only increases productivity but also fosters a more engaging work environment where scientists can fully leverage their expertise. Additionally, the ability to quickly adapt and modify protocols in real-time means that researchers can respond swiftly to new challenges or findings, further enhancing the overall efficiency of the lab.

Improved compliance and traceability

Digital solutions provide comprehensive audit trails that detail every step of the laboratory process, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory standards. With digital lab solutions, tracking and verifying lab activities becomes seamless, allowing for greater accountability and transparency. Researchers can easily access historical data and documentation, which facilitates audits and inspections while ensuring that all procedures meet the required guidelines set by regulatory bodies.

Elevate your biotechnology protocols with SciSure

SciSure for Research (formerly eLabNext) offers a state-of-the-art lab protocol and SOP management features designed to meet the modern demands of biotechnology research. The digital lab protocols capabilities streamline the creation, organization, and management of biotechnology protocols, ensuring that researchers can easily access and follow lab procedures.

Some of these key features include:

• Dynamic protocol creation: Customise templates to create detailed, step-by-step protocols. Real-time updates ensure all team members have access to the latest versions.
• Easy sharing and collaboration: Share protocols within the lab or with external collaborators. User permissions control who can view, edit, or share protocols.
• Centralized repository: Store all protocols in a centralized digital repository for easy access and management. Advanced search features help quickly find specific protocols.
• Integration with ELN and LIMS: Protocols management can be used as a standalone solution or integrated with SciSure, the combination of an ELN and LIMS for R&D, to sync protocols and related data across platforms.
• Compliance and security: Maintain detailed audit trails for tracking changes and access to protocols. Designed to help labs comply with industry regulations and standards.
• AI protocol generation: Utilise AI to generate protocols from brief descriptions, saving time and effort. Customise AI-generated protocols to meet specific lab needs.

By implementing SciSure for Research, labs can improve data integrity, reduce errors, and ultimately accelerate their research processes, leading to more successful outcomes in the dynamic field of biotechnology.

Top tips for implementing digital biotechnology protocols

To successfully implement digital biotechnology protocols, consider the following tips:

1. Standardise naming conventions and protocol structures 

Establish consistent naming conventions and protocol structures to ensure clarity and ease of use across your lab.

• Create a standardized naming system for protocols and samples.
• Ensure all protocols follow a consistent format and structure.

2. Use templates for consistency 

Leverage protocol templates to maintain consistency and reduce the time needed to create new protocols.

• Develop and use templates for common procedures.
• Customise templates to fit specific needs while maintaining core elements.

3. Facilitate easy access and sharing 

Ensure protocols are easily accessible to all relevant team members and facilitate seamless sharing within and outside the lab.

• Implement a centralized digital repository for easy access.
• Use permissions to control access and sharing of protocols.

4. Regular training and updates 

Provide ongoing training sessions to keep the team updated on the latest protocols and digital tools.

• Schedule regular training sessions for new and existing staff.
• Update training materials to reflect changes in protocols or tools.

5. Integrate with other lab systems 

Ensure your digital protocol management system integrates seamlessly with other lab systems like LIMS, ELNs and inventory management systems.

• Choose digital solutions that offer integration capabilities.
• Regularly check and maintain system integrations for smooth operations.

6. Implement version controls 

Maintain version control to track changes and updates to protocols, ensuring that the most current version is always in use.

• Use digital tools to manage and track protocol versions.
• Clearly indicate version history and changes in the protocol document.

A recipe for success

Optimizing biotechnology protocols is essential for ensuring research accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. Leveraging digital solutions like SciSure can provide significant advantages in managing and optimizing these protocols.

This article was originally published by eLabNext prior to its integration into SciSure. SciSure was formed in 2025 through the merger of eLabNext and SciShield.

Google Drive, Box, DropBox, Egnyte, OneNote, EndNote, and SharePoint are great solutions for storing the raw files from your lab instruments. But when it comes to managing lab projects and accessing your results, whether for R&D, process development, analytics, or diagnostics, this software can quickly hit the limits of its capabilities. As a result, folder creep – unlimited levels of folders and files, with no end in sight – and digital chaos – different versions of files stored in multiple locations, decentralized data, with poor to no visibility to desired data points – can take over. 

Instead, we want digital clarity – structured project management that allows you to easily collect, access, manage, and analyze your data. Our experience has shown that a hierarchy with 3 layers is the best way to achieve digital clarity, offering the ultimate structure for collecting, managing, and analyzing data in a standardized manner.

Project Structure and Hierarchy

3-Layer Hierarchy allows you to organize, standardize, and achieve leaner operations in the lab. With simple adjustments to how you name your internal programs/projects, you can become extremely efficient and eliminate unnecessary clutter in your file management.

Here’s an example of how we achieve this at eLabNext:

• Projects > Study > Experiment
• Project Group

The electronic lab notebook allows you to track results and share data recorded in experiments. Experiments allow you to organize your research data in structured reports, share information with other lab members, and organize it into projects and studies. Data is added to experiments through dedicated sections: users can log data in open-format text sections, add a pre-generated protocol from a template, link a list of samples from the lab inventory, collect results in Excel sheets, make freehand drawings, or upload images and files to their experiments. 

Sharing & Collaboration

Organizing your lab’s operations via the Project > Study > Experiment architecture unlocks the option to collaborate with your colleagues, including sharing Experiment Templates and copying/moving your experiments and reports to create a more free shareable ecosystem.

Here’s how it works in eLabNext: 

• Collaborate
• Share
• Signature and Witness Signature

Data Structures & Data Accessibility

You can’t search if you’re unsure what you’re looking for. Searching for and accessing data will be a challenge if your Projects/Studies/Experiments aren't named accurately and the sections within them are not structured. 

Here are some tips for making your records searchable:

Maintain Naming Convention

• Develop a healthy and sustainable naming system for your projects, studies, and experiments/reports (such as Project X – Study Y – Report 001 – ABC)

• Ensure that the coding and naming system allows you to grow into it with new projects and related content that gets created.

Develop a Structure

• Develop a structure that you can grow into, for example, based on your departments, R&D targets, and a 2- to 3-year game plan.

• When developing your internal structures, think ahead to make it easier for you to access your data.

• Templatize your most common experiments with defined sections, such as:

Intro
Purpose
Supplies Used
Samples Used
Protocol Used
Data Analysis (Excel)
Equipment Used
Experimental Methods and Discussions
File Attachments
Images
Notes and Comments
Results
Conclusions

Leverage a Timeline

• Leverage the timeline to search by users and sections. Your sections need to be organized so that you can access them on the front end and use the API to pull data into Data Analytics software.

Access Full Experiment Lists

• If you’d like more granularity, utilize the Admin Mode in Experiment List to search for by keywords and access all of the desired experiments.

Looking Ahead: Getting AI-Ready

While these practices might seem like you are just getting organized, this standardization effort will set you up for proper AI use, to build internal LLMs and predictive modeling. The more structured your projects are, the more metadata fields you fill with valuable data and the bigger your arsenal of tools for AI implementation and data access.

If you’re interested in learning more about data standardization and how this will set you apart in the decades to come, contact us today!

Safety is paramount in laboratory environments, where adherence to lab safety rules can mean the difference between smooth operation and disaster. Continuous education is a pivotal element in maintaining this safety. SciSure (formerly SciShield), with its advanced training courses, provides a comprehensive solution to enhance lab safety and ensure compliance.

The Training LMS supports online and in-person trainings, synchronous and asynchronous modality, as well as certain features and services within the  to assist with the Instructor-Requested Instruction (IRI) to help improve instructor teaching methodologies using the LMS.

The Importance of Continuous Training in Lab Safety

Why Continuous Training is Critical

Laboratories are constantly evolving, with new protocols, equipment, and safety standards being introduced regularly. To keep pace with these changes, continuous compliance training is essential. Training ensures that all personnel are current on the latest lab safety symbols and safety management practices. This ongoing education is not just about ticking boxes; it’s about embedding a culture of safety that permeates every aspect of lab work.

In laboratories, where the margin for error is often slim, even a small oversight can lead to significant consequences. This is where continuous training becomes indispensable. Regular updates and refreshers help to maintain a safe environment.

The Risks of Neglecting Training

Without continuous training, labs risk falling out of compliance with safety regulations. This can lead to accidents, legal repercussions, and a decline in research quality. Regular training mitigates risks by keeping staff informed and prepared for any challenges they might encounter in the lab.

Neglecting training can also erode the overall safety culture within the lab. When staff members are not regularly trained, they may become complacent, assuming that their existing knowledge is sufficient. However, safety standards and protocols are not static; they evolve with new research findings and technological advancements. Continuous training ensures that everyone is current, reducing the risk of accidents and maintaining high standards of safety compliance.

How SciSure Facilitates Effective Training

Using a Training LMS

A Learning Management System (LMS) is a centralized platform where all training course materials are housed. A LMS makes it easier to administer, track, and assess training outcomes. SciSure’s Training LMS is designed to streamline this process, ensuring that all lab personnel are not only trained but are also continually refreshed on critical safety protocols.

This centralized system allows for a more structured approach to training, where compliance training is seamlessly integrated into daily operations. It also ensures that every training session is tracked, providing lab managers with the data they need to ensure that all staff are notified and current with their training requirements. This system not only enhances safety compliance but also promotes a culture of continuous learning.

Customizable Training Programs

SciSure offers customizable training programs that can be tailored to the specific needs of each lab. Whether it's reinforcing basic lab safety rules or providing advanced training on handling hazardous materials, SciSure’s platform ensures that every training need is met efficiently.

These customizable programs are particularly valuable in diverse lab environments where different teams may have varying training needs. For instance, a team working with hazardous chemicals may require more frequent and specialized training compared to a team handling standard lab procedures.

The Impact of Training on Lab Operations

Enhancing Safety Compliance

One of the key benefits of using SciSure’s training platform is its ability to enhance safety compliance. By integrating training requirements directly into the lab’s operations, SciSure ensures that every staff member is consistently meeting the required safety standards. This proactive approach reduces the risk of non-compliance and fosters a safer working environment.

Safety compliance is not just about adhering to regulations; it's about creating a culture where safety is ingrained in every aspect of lab work. Continuous training helps labs build this culture by ensuring that all personnel understand the importance of compliance and are equipped with the knowledge they need to maintain it.

Streamlining Safety Management

Safety management is a critical component of any lab’s operations, and SciSure’s Training LMS platform streamlines this process through automated training updates and real-time tracking of compliance. This not only saves time but also ensures that every aspect of lab safety is continuously monitored and improved.

The real-time tracking feature is particularly beneficial in large labs where managing training for numerous staff members can be challenging. Automatic notifications alert managers when a training session is due or when compliance requirements are not met. This level of oversight is crucial for maintaining high standards of safety across the organization.

Key Features of SciSure’s Training LMS Platform

Real-Time Monitoring and Reporting

Real-time monitoring and reporting features, allowing lab managers to track training progress and ensure all staff members are current on their training requirements. This feature is essential for maintaining continuous safety compliance and ensuring that no gaps exist in the lab’s safety protocols.

With real-time monitoring, lab managers can quickly identify any areas where training may be lacking or where additional focus is needed. This proactive approach allows labs to address potential issues before they become serious problems, ensuring that all safety measures are consistently upheld.

Interactive and Engaging Content

Training is most effective when it is engaging. SciSure incorporates interactive elements into its training modules, helping to prevent the fatigue that can sometimes accompany repetitive training, making learning more accessible and enjoyable. Whether it’s through videos, quizzes, or hands-on simulations, SciSure ensures that all staff members are fully engaged with the material, leading to better retention and application of safety practices.

Comprehensive Training Coverage

From basic safety protocols to advanced compliance training, SciSure’s platform covers all aspects of lab safety. This ensures that every employee, regardless of their role, has the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain a safe and compliant lab environment. Comprehensive coverage is essential in ensuring that no aspect of lab safety is overlooked.

Training is not just an option; it’s a necessity for any laboratory committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance. A comprehensive Training LMS platform provides the tools and resources necessary to implement effective training programs that keep all lab personnel informed and prepared, ensuring that safety and compliance are maintained at all times.

Ready to enhance your lab’s safety through effective training? Explore SciSure’s Training LMS solution today and take the first step toward a safer, more compliant laboratory environment. Contact us for a FREE demo or explore our platform to see how we can support your lab’s continuous training needs.